Hair is one of the primary culprits of drain clogs. While the trap catches some of the hair that slips down the drain, there’s always the potential for hair to build up over time and prevent the drain from working properly. Then the property owner is stuck with a troublesome clog.
For as long as hair has been going down drains, people have been trying to come up with ways to clear the resulting clogs. Some have proven to be much better than others. At Joe the Plumber, we’ve done all the research for you. This blog post will discuss some DIY clog-clearing methods and how effective each one is.
Baking Soda & Vinegar
Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by 1 cup of vinegar. Once a few hours have passed, turn the water on to see if the clog has cleared. You will see fizz as the chemical reaction occurs. This fizz helps to clear the clog.
Boiling Water
This solution is straightforward: simply pour boiling water down the drain. Boiling water can clear clogs caused not only by hair, but also by grease, soap scum, and food scraps.
Plunging
Place the plunger directly over the drain and push down. Then, pull up quickly to create suction that will hopefully break up the clog.
Snaking
Put the snake down the drain until it reaches the clog. Once it does, pull it back up. The snake has hooks or brushes on one end that will grab the hair and remove it.
Enzymatic Drain Cleaners
Commercial drain cleaners typically use enzymes or bacteria to break up clogs. They are usually safe for the environment as well as your pipes and septic system. However, please keep in mind that they also take longer to work on average and may not be effective on severe clogs.
Local Plumber Serving Greater Houston
These DIY drain-cleaning methods are all at least somewhat effective. But what is one to do if none of these potential solutions clear the drain clog? If you live or work in the Houston, TX area, don’t panic: just call Joe the Plumber. We are local plumbers that provide 24/7 emergency services. We’re one of the leading drain cleaning companies in Houston.
While any of the DIY methods spelled out in this post may work for a little while, our professional plumbers will ensure your clog is gone for good. We have experience cleaning all types of drains, including kitchens, bathrooms, and basement sinks or basins, as well as the most complex of clogs. The methods we use are always completely safe and won’t damage your pipes. And we don’t stop when we get rid of the clog. We take the time to determine the root cause of the clog to prevent any more issues in the future.
FAQs
How often should I have my drains cleaned?
We recommend having your drains cleaned at least once a year, but more frequent cleanings may be needed for a drain that sees clogs often or gets used a lot.
Can’t I just use chemical drain cleaners?
You can, but chemical drain cleaners tend to be harsh on pipes, and they may not completely break up the clog. This puts you back to square one.
How long can I expect a professional drain cleaning to take?
The answer to this question depends on how bad the clog is, but on average, most plumbers can clear a clog within a few hours.
What if I have more questions?
If you have any other questions about Joe the Plumber or our drain cleaning services, or if you’d like to make an appointment for your Houston-area home, please get in touch with us.
